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This is an informational statement
adopted by the NY State Bar Association |
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Content also available in: |
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Reciprocal trust, courtesy and respect are
the hallmarks of the attorney-client relationship. Within
that relationship, the client looks to the attorney for expertise,
education, sound judgment, protection, advocacy and representation.
These expectations can be achieved only if the client fulfills
the following responsibilities:
- The client is expected to treat the lawyer and the lawyer's
staff with courtesy and consideration.
- The client's relationship with the lawyer must be one
of complete candor and the lawyer must be apprised of all
facts or circumstances of the matter being handled by the
lawyer even if the client believes that those facts may be
detrimental to the client's cause or unflattering to the
client.
- The client must honor the fee arrangement as agreed to
with the lawyer, in accordance with law.
- All bills for services rendered which are tendered to
the client pursuant to the agreed upon fee arrangement should
be paid promptly.
- The client may withdraw from the attorney-client relationship,
subject to financial commitments under the agreed to fee
arrangement, and, in certain circumstances, subject to court
approval.
- Although the client should expect that his or her correspondence,
telephone calls and other communications will be answered
within a reasonable time frame, the client should recognize
that the lawyer has other clients equally demanding of the
lawyer's time and attention.
- The client should maintain contact with the lawyer, promptly
notify the lawyer of any change in telephone number or address
and respond promptly to a request by the lawyer for information
and cooperation.
- The client must realize that the lawyer need respect
only legitimate objectives of the client and that the lawyer
will not advocate or propose positions which are unprofessional
or contrary to law or the Lawyer's Code of Professional Responsibility.
- The lawyer may be unable to accept a case if the lawyer
has previous professional commitments which will result in
inadequate time being available for the proper representation
of a new client.
- A lawyer is under no obligation to accept a client if
the lawyer determines that the cause of the client is without
merit, a conflict of interest would exist or that a suitable
working relationship with the client is not likely.
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